Chapter 128: How About a Promise?
Chapter 128: How About a Promise?
Rod and Gray never knew much about the details of the mission, even if they had asked.
Sherry understood the need to keep the task's details confidential but was still a bit unhappy. It didn't seem fair that the dark guild members were operating just a few kilometers from their guild, and they had no idea why.
But since the culprits had been arrested, it probably wasn't a big issue anymore. Sherry grumpily called them for breakfast and then had to report the incident to the guild master.
The three of them stayed at the Cat House for the time being. By the afternoon, two soldiers from the Enforcers arrived.
Robin Lilith welcomed them and had a private conversation with Deputy Depdi before arranging new accommodations for the three of them.
After resting for another night, Depdi had recovered significantly and said his goodbyes to Wendy and Robin Lilith the next morning.
As they left Robin Lilith's tent, Rod and Gray were chatting nearby.
"Think the reward for this dangerous mission might go up a bit?" Rod asked.
"There's no such rule," Gray replied. "The reward can only change if we meet the client and agree on the terms before the mission starts."
Or if the mages on the mission go rogue and destroy things, but Gray didn't say that part.
"But this was an accident, right? Maybe they'll give us some bonus or something," Rod suggested.
"You said it was an accident. Dream on with your bonuses," Gray retorted.
"But it's the Council," Rod said, thinking of the endless reports the guild master had to write. "Even if they don't give us a reward, at least they could go easy on the guild master a few times."
Gray thought about himself and the other unreliable mages and said sheepishly, "Well, we can hope."
When Depdi and his two subordinates approached, Rod and Gray stopped their conversation.
"Leaving so soon?" Rod asked.
"Are you feeling better?" Gray added.
"Yes, Miss Wendy's magic is even more powerful than I imagined. She's truly a sky witch," Depdi praised Wendy.
His expression turned a bit awkward, as if he had overheard their earlier conversation.
"I will remember your kindness and, as the deputy captain of the Third Enforcers, I thank you and your team for your assistance. I will also ensure that our captain reports your contributions to the Council members. Thank you."
His two subordinates bowed as well. "Thank you for your help!"
Rod said, "Well, assisting the Council in eliminating a dark guild is part of our duty, no need to be so formal."
Gray felt even more uncomfortable. The Council thanking him? Ha, ha, ha... must be a joke.
For Council missions, the reward isn't paid immediately after the task is completed. Instead, it's sent to the guild once Captain Kaptin submits the report and it's processed. Given the Council's efficiency, they should receive it in about a week.
But with Depdi's current attitude, he might help expedite the process, shortening the wait.
Overall, the Council had a good reputation, and they didn't need to worry about not receiving their reward.
Rod and Gray stayed at the Cat House for one more day, enjoying the Niblitt village's culture and customs.
Mostly, they were dragged around the village by Wendy, exploring and playing nearby.
Wendy would take them to the forest to find delicious wild fruits, only for Sherry to complain that they didn't wash them.
Or she would encourage Wendy to steal honey from a small hill, watch her trip over a tree root while running away, and then rush to pick her up, being chased by bees all over the hill.
Or a fishing competition at the nearby lake, where Rod chose to summon a Swift Crab, making the lake his home turf, while Gray froze half of it in one go.
Then, Rod burst out of the ice and had a fierce battle with Gray, but in the end, Wendy won the fishing competition.
As evening fell, the group gathered by the lake, roasting fish and bickering with Charle, which was more like teasing the cat.
But as the bickering went on, Charle started to laugh. The past two days with Rod and Gray had been the happiest Wendy had been in a long time.
Now, she was starting to think that the Master's suggestion might be right. While everyone in the village was kind, Wendy didn't have a single friend her age to play with.
After finishing the roasted fish and carefully extinguishing the fire, they returned home, satisfied.
Macao was waiting at the village entrance: "Wendy, you're back. Bisca seems a bit unwell. Could you go check on her?"
"I'll go right away!" Wendy hurried off to Bisca's house.
Macao then turned to Rod and Gray: "Mr. Rod, Mr. Gray, the Master asked me to convey that he has something to discuss with you."
What could be so important that they had to send Wendy away?
Rod and Gray exchanged a glance and replied, "We'll go right away."
Charle, having a pretty good idea of what it might be, hesitated for a moment but decided to stay with Wendy.
...
"Master Robilu, you wanted to see us?" Rod and Gray greeted as they entered the tent.
"Indeed. I have some questions." Today, Robilu was still speaking with a mouthful of alcohol, "What do you think of Wendy?"
It sounded like a father asking about his daughter's prospects.
Rod asked, "Why do you ask?"
Robilu said, "I'm wondering if Wendy is qualified to join Fairy Tail."
Gray frowned, "What do you mean? Wendy seems very happy at Cait Shelter."
"Cait Shelter is too small and remote. A girl like Wendy shouldn't be trapped here," Robilu explained, "She hasn't been this happy in a long time. I think Fairy Tail might be the best place for her."
"I see." Gray smiled, "Joining Fairy Tail has one important requirement."
What? Rod looked at him in surprise. The guild has requirements? I didn't know that.
Robilu asked, "What is it? Must she master rare magic or reach a certain level of strength like you?"
"No, it's her own desire. That's the most important standard. If Wendy says she wants to join Fairy Tail, we'll do whatever it takes to bring her in, no matter where she is. But if she doesn't want to..."
Gray smiled, "Old man, even if it's for Wendy's future, making this decision without her consent is unfair to her. We've only been here a few days, and we can already tell that Wendy, like us, considers the guild her home. You should know that even better."
Rod chuckled, "We are the kind of guild that might actually kidnap someone if they want to join, of course, only if they're willing."
"Ha ha ha... Indeed." Robilu laughed, "Fairy Tail is truly a great guild."
After a moment of laughter, Robilu grew serious:
"Then, how about this? If one day Cait Shelter can no longer sustain itself, Wendy and Charle... I leave them in your care."
(End of Chapter)
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